Black Friday Mistakes You’re Making, According to These Experts
Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping days of the year, attracting millions of consumers eager to snag deals on everything from electronics to clothing to home goods. However, in the frenzy to find the best bargains, many shoppers make common mistakes that can lead to overspending, missing out on the best deals, or ending up with buyer’s remorse. To help you avoid these pitfalls, we’ve gathered insights from shopping experts on the top mistakes you might be making on Black Friday — and how to shop smarter this year.
1. Failing to Make a Plan
Expert Insight: “One of the biggest mistakes shoppers make is going into Black Friday without a game plan,” says Kristin McGrath, shopping expert and editor at BlackFriday.com. “Retailers count on consumers to act impulsively, but a lack of preparation can lead to overspending and missing out on the best deals.”
Solution: Before you start shopping, make a list of the items you need or want to buy, and set a clear budget. Prioritize which stores or websites you’ll visit and research prices ahead of time to know what constitutes a good deal. By planning your purchases and sticking to your list, you’ll be less likely to fall victim to impulse buys.
2. Ignoring Price Histories
Expert Insight: “Many shoppers don’t realize that not all Black Friday deals are as great as they seem,” says consumer analyst Julie Ramhold from DealNews. “Retailers sometimes mark up prices just before the event to make discounts look more significant than they are.”
Solution: Use price-tracking tools and apps, such as CamelCamelCamel or Honey, to check the historical prices of items you’re interested in. This will help you determine whether a Black Friday deal is genuinely a bargain or just a marketing tactic. By knowing the true price history, you can make informed decisions and avoid falling for deceptive discounts.
3. Overlooking Online Deals
Expert Insight: “With the rise of online shopping, many of the best deals are now found on the web, not in stores,” says Sarah Hollenbeck, shopping and savings expert at Offers.com. “Some consumers still think they need to camp out in front of stores to get the best deals, but this is often not the case.”
Solution: Don’t limit yourself to in-store shopping. Many retailers offer the same or even better discounts online, often with additional perks like free shipping or online-only coupons. Sign up for email alerts from your favorite retailers, and be sure to check their websites and social media channels for online-exclusive deals. This way, you can save time, avoid crowds, and still get great bargains.
4. Shopping at the Wrong Time
Expert Insight: “Timing is everything on Black Friday,” explains Mark LoCastro, Director of Public Relations at DealNews. “Many shoppers don’t realize that the best deals might not be available at the crack of dawn.”
Solution: While early-bird deals can offer significant savings, some of the best discounts might be released later in the day or even during Cyber Monday. Monitor your favorite retailers’ websites throughout the day, and use tools like Google Alerts to stay updated on flash sales or surprise discounts. Additionally, some stores release deals in waves, so keep an eye out for changes in pricing.
5. Neglecting to Use Coupons and Cashback Offers
Expert Insight: “Shoppers often forget to stack discounts, like using coupons or cashback offers, on top of already discounted prices,” says Trae Bodge, smart shopping expert at TrueTrae.com. “This is a missed opportunity to maximize savings.”
Solution: Before you check out, look for additional coupons or promo codes that can be applied to your purchases. Use cashback apps like Rakuten or Ibotta to earn a percentage of your money back on qualifying purchases. Even a small discount can add up to significant savings when combined with Black Friday deals.
6. Forgetting to Read the Fine Print
Expert Insight: “A common mistake is not reading the fine print on sales and promotions,” warns consumer finance expert Andrea Woroch. “Some deals may have exclusions, limited quantities, or restrictions that make them less attractive than they first appear.”
Solution: Always check the terms and conditions of a sale before making a purchase. Look for details about return policies, restocking fees, and any limitations on price matching or exchanges. Knowing the fine print can help you avoid surprises and ensure that the deal is as good as it seems.
7. Buying Unnecessary Items Just Because They’re on Sale
Expert Insight: “Black Friday is a time when people tend to buy things they don’t need, simply because the price is reduced,” says Kevin Brasler, Executive Editor at Consumers’ Checkbook. “This is a classic example of false economy.”
Solution: Stay focused on your list and budget to avoid buying items just because they’re heavily discounted. Ask yourself if the item is something you truly need or if it’s just the allure of a discount that’s tempting you. Remember, even a 70% discount isn’t a good deal if you’ll never use the product.
8. Overlooking Smaller Retailers and Local Businesses
Expert Insight: “Many consumers automatically flock to big-box stores or major online retailers for Black Friday, overlooking smaller retailers and local businesses that also offer great deals,” says Stephanie Meyers, a retail analyst at Retail Dive.
Solution: Don’t forget to check out deals from local businesses or smaller online retailers. Many of them offer competitive prices, unique products, and a more personalized shopping experience. Supporting small businesses not only diversifies your options but also helps stimulate your local economy.
9. Not Taking Advantage of Price Matching Policies
Expert Insight: “Many shoppers forget to use price matching policies to their advantage,” says Kyle James, founder of Rather-Be-Shopping.com. “Some retailers will match lower prices from competitors, but consumers often don’t think to ask.”
Solution: Check whether your preferred retailers offer price matching for Black Friday deals. Some stores will match or even beat competitors’ prices, allowing you to shop where you prefer without missing out on savings. Make sure to bring proof of the lower price, such as an advertisement or a screenshot, to streamline the process.
10. Underestimating Shipping Times and Costs
Expert Insight: “Many shoppers forget to factor in shipping times and costs when buying online,” says Kristin Cook, managing editor of Ben’s Bargains. “Delays and unexpected fees can add to the overall cost, making a deal less appealing.”
Solution: Check estimated delivery dates and shipping fees before making a purchase, especially if you need the item by a specific date. Look for retailers that offer free shipping or in-store pickup to avoid extra costs. If you’re shopping for holiday gifts, buy early to ensure that your items arrive on time.
11. Getting Caught Up in FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
Expert Insight: “The urgency of Black Friday deals can create a sense of FOMO, leading to rushed decisions and unnecessary purchases,” says Lindsay Sakraida, Director of Content Marketing at DealNews.
Solution: Remember that many retailers extend their sales throughout the weekend and into Cyber Monday. Take your time to evaluate deals, and don’t let the fear of missing out pressure you into making a purchase. Keep in mind that there will always be other sales opportunities.
12. Overlooking Loyalty Programs and Early Access
Expert Insight: “Retailers often reward loyal customers with early access to Black Friday deals or extra discounts,” says Kathy Kristof, founder of SideHusl.com. “Shoppers who overlook these perks miss out on some of the best offers.”
Solution: Sign up for loyalty programs, newsletters, or email alerts from your favorite retailers to get early access to sales or exclusive discounts. Many retailers offer significant perks to members, including free shipping, extra discounts, or early notifications of deals.
Conclusion: Shop Smart and Save More
Black Friday offers plenty of opportunities for smart shoppers to save big, but it’s easy to make mistakes in the rush of the day. By planning ahead, doing your research, and being mindful of common pitfalls, you can avoid these mistakes and make the most of the deals available. Remember, the goal is not just to save money, but to spend wisely and thoughtfully. With a little preparation and a strategic approach, you can make Black Friday dresses sale work for you, not against you.